21 Mar 2013

A total of nine out of 83 cluster fences submitted for construction under the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agricultural Development (ISPAAD) have been completed.

Answering a question in Parliament, the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Mr Oreeditse Molebatsi said those completed are Samane, Sedibeng, Musi, Kgoro in the Southern District, Leshibitse in the Kgatleng District, Mmashoro and Mogapinyna in the Central District, Masunga in North East District, and Kotokae in North West District.

Mr Molebatsi explained that the other 16 that are at different stage of development include Magoriapitse, Kanngwe, Sekooma in the Southern District, Kubung and Malwelwe in Kweneng, Mookane, Mokubilo (Karakatee), Rakops, Maunatlala and Lekopole in the Central District, Lesetlheng and Tsokwane in the South East District, Gani and Etsha 8 in the North West District and Parakarungu in the Chobe District.

The minister further explained that drilling of boreholes to provide potable water to six completed clusters is at tendering stage.

He said unlike other components of ISPAAD, cluster fencing requires a lot of consultation with farming community and local leaders to draw up group constitution and apply for fence line from Land Boards.

Consequently, the actual construction of the fence started during 2011/12 financial year adding that he considers completion of nine clusters fences a success.

The MP for Kweneng East Major General Moeng Pheto had asked the minister to state the number of established clusters for fencing and water provision under the ISPAAD; and whether he considers the cluster fencing component of ISPAAD successful; if not, why. ENDS